A hidden Past
A suspected spy has been detained — and British Intelligence needs you to uncover what he was hiding in his flat.
Puzzles • Discovery • Intrigue
Quick info
Secrets Behind Closed Doors
Step inside a 1950s mechanic’s flat at the height of the Cold War. What appears ordinary at first glance quickly reveals layers of hidden meaning. This immersive escape room focuses on investigation and clever puzzle-solving, making it the perfect starting point for new agents.
Era
1957 – Mechanic’s Flat. Search a Cold War apartment and uncover secrets hidden in plain sight.
Style
Puzzle-focused and story-driven, with immersive detail and satisfying discoveries.
Who's it for
A fantastic introduction for first-time players and families (ages 7+, 7–13 with an adult).
group info
Designed for 2–6 players, encouraging teamwork as you search and solve together.
Room gallery
Room briefing
1957. British Intelligence has detained a suspected spy operating out of a quiet Basingstoke flat.
While he’s being interrogated elsewhere, your team has been sent in to investigate the premises. Hidden among everyday belongings lies information that could compromise national security. Uncover the truth before enemy agents arrive to silence the operation — and anyone involved.
Hear what our players think
Thousands of five-star reviews!
One of My Favourite Escapes!
It’s near perfect – lots of puzzles to play at once, so no one is bored or stood watching. Instead of endless boring numbers (maths is my weakness) there are a good variety of properly hands on challenges, all wrapped up in a nostalgic theme which felt so appealing.
Jenny
Tripadvisor
delightfully old-school escape room
Overall, A Hidden Past is a solid, classic escape room experience that rewards careful thinking, teamwork, and humility. A must-play for fans of traditional puzzle design who don’t mind a serious relationship with padlocks—and are willing to admit when they’ve made a mistake
Rachel G.
Tripadvisor
Fun challenge for all the family
We had a great time at the Exciting Escapes in Basingstoke – smashed the Escape Room, we did ‘A Hidden Past‘.
We thoroughly enjoyed it and thank you to Esme to being a great host!
Sharon S.
Tripadvisor
Answers to your questions
FAQ section
01 How many players can take part in an escape room?
All missions can be played by two players. Some rooms allow up to six players, while others can host up to seven depending on the game.
02 Can two players play an escape room?
Yes. All of our missions can be played by two players, although some challenges may feel easier with larger teams.
03 Do we need knowledge of the decade or theme to play the game?
Not at all. Everything you need to solve the mission is inside the room. A love for the era may make the experience even more fun, but no prior knowledge is required.
04 How long does the escape room experience last?
Each mission lasts 60 minutes. Including briefing and debriefing, most visits take around 75–90 minutes.
05 Will we receive hints during the game?
Yes. Your Game Master monitors the mission and can provide hints to keep your team moving if needed.
06 Are your escape rooms scary?
Most of our missions focus on adventure and puzzles rather than scares. The Voices We Hear is the only horror-themed experience and is strictly 16+.
07 Are your escape rooms physically demanding?
Most puzzles focus on observation and problem-solving. Some missions include light physical interaction such as crouching or searching the space.
08 Do your rooms contain flashing lights or sound effects?
Some missions use lighting or sound effects to enhance the atmosphere. If anyone in your group has sensitivities, please contact us before your visit.
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Give the Gift of a Mission
Looking for a unique gift idea? Our escape room gift vouchers start from £25 and are valid for 2 years, giving the recipient plenty of time to choose their decade and complete their mission.
